Book Week Scotland - what will YOU do?

The first ever Book Week Scotland is nearly here - 26th November to 2nd December. How will you celebrate it? Or, in the words of the clever advert, where will you go? Check out the programme on the official site or, for updates, go to the BWS Facebook page or follow @BookWeekScot on Twitter (and use the hashtag #BWS2012 to join the conversation).

Here are some highlights for readers of all ages:

Celebrations in schools
Every Primary 1 child will be given a pack of three free picture books by Scottish authors. For secondary school students, a Poetry Slam will be broadcast live on Thursday 29th at 11 am - register via the link. Expect a new spin on the traditional notion of poetry with three poets, Dizreali, Paul Lyalls and Elspeth Murray, waging verbal battle against each other. There's sure to be lively debate, quick wits and lots of laughs. You can also download free learning resources to accompany the event.

The Reading Hour
This St Andrew's Day, Friday 30th November, stop what you are doing at 11am and pick up a book for The Reading Hour. This idea could also be used in schools (and there's another resource pack for that) - after all, reading is not just entertainment. It enhances the memory, improves vocabularly and opens the mind to worlds beyond our own. Not sure what to read? Two more ideas! Get a free copy of My favourite place  from your local bookshop or library - it's a collection of stories about Scotland's best loved places by members of the public and celebrities such as Sally Magnusson, Michael Palin and Alexander McCall Smith. You can also read the stories online accompanied by a photo gallery. Alternatively, contact the League of Extraordinary Booklovers for advice. The youngest of these is Edward Colvin at just 5 years old - that would make a good story for the classroom!

Reader Portraits Competition
While you, your friends or family are doing all this extra reading next week, why not take some photographs? Enter your reader portraits in the competition and you could win a Nook Simple Touch GlowLight.
  
Local events Your own local library might also have events on - here's the programme for Glasgow for example. I'll be helping them out on Monday morning by handing out goody bags to people spotted reading. I'm also intending to take part in the Reading Hour. What will YOU be doing?

Acknowledgment Thanks, as ever, to the wonderful Scottish Book Trust for organising Book Week Scotland. Here's hoping for every success!

Stop Press! Since writing this a couple of hours ago, I've discovered that the mysterious Edinburgh Book Sculptor has created 5 more sculptures for BWS treasure hunt. They'll be hidden around Scotland and clues will be released on the website every day next week. Read more in the Scotsman - happy hunting!